SEAT Ibiza – cool, calm and connected

ROAD TEST

Never mind lost, it’s frightening the number of people who go into a panic on leaving their phone upstairs, in a coat pocket, or in the car.

Crazy, of course, but it just goes to underline how much we rely on our mobiles and how important it is to stay connected.

It’s no coincidence that very few new cars these days include museum pieces like CD players.

And Volkswagen-owned Spanish brand SEAT has shown that you don’t need to pay top dollar for a prestige executive model to access a raft of the best technology around.

The company has made a priority of bridging the gap between smartphone and your car’s infotainment system – on every model in its line-up.

That means buyers of the brand’s most popular offering, the Ibiza supermini, can opt for a Connect variant pre-loaded with technology and a free Samsung Galaxy A3 thrown in.

What the Connect range promises is a completely new level of connectivity whereby there’s a direct connection between mobile and car, allowing access to various apps and phone functions via the touchscreen.

If you don’t want a Connect model, then SEAT is offering the set-up on SE versions of its cars and above, and includes an upgraded info system with 6.5-inch touchscreen for £385.

Recent months have seen the arrival of a revamped Ibiza model, though visually you would be pushed to notice any styling changes bar some fresh alloy wheels and new headlights.

Step inside though and the Ibiza’s cabin is the way I like it, simple. You aren’t confronted by an array of switches, dials and buttons.

Where the latest versions really score though is in the overall feel and quality of everything from the supportive seats to the chunkier steering wheel.

And if you spend a few quid extra you can add touches like a Blue Colour Pack with blue 16-inch machined alloys and door mirrors for £145 and a Convenience Pack of auto-headlights, coming and leaving home function, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and electric folding door mirrors for £230.

While there’s a solid range of petrol and diesel engines in the Ibiza line-up, Connect models are restricted to the 1.2-litre TSI petrol unit and available in five-door, three-door SC and ST estate variants.

That said, the 90PS powerplant feels quite peppy, makes the Ibiza a joy to drive and in my case returned an average fuel figure of 55mpg.

The model revamp also included a revised suspension with softer springs, making the car’s ride a touch more comfortable.

Regards space, nothing’s changed, so things are brilliant if you’re up front, not so good for those in rear – though you can stash a fair amount in the deep boot.